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Energy-Related Legislation

California Leads the Way on Renewable Energy

As usual, California has set the standard with the country’s most progressive renewable energy targets, backed by state-mandated legislation. By 2045, California is required to obtain all electricity from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydropower. Enacting part of this new legislation begins in 2020, with new requirements for solar-powered homes. Initial costs are expected to be offset by significantly reduced electric bills. Leading-up to 100% renewable power will take place in three phases: the state must meet 50% renewable electricity by 2026; by 2030, power must come from 60% renewable sources. The final 40% can come from “carbon-free” sources such as from hydrodams, nuclear and natural gas. So, what does this mean for you?

All new homes must be built for solar power, starting in 2020.

By 2045, California is to be 100% carbon-neutral for electricity sources. This means electricity musn’t come from fossil fuels, with the exception of natural gas. Though, natural gas is to be phased-out over time.

Energy storage will be beneficial, as California enforces a new power rate structure that charges customers based on the time of day that power is being used. Avoid higher charges with a solar battery to store green power.

Home builders must fulfill one of the two options available when constructing new homes:

Build new homes with solar panels for individual domiciles (rooftop panels will be rolled into the price of the home or leased monthly).

Provide a solar-power system shared by a group of homes.

The solar panel requirement is expected to add $8,000-$12,000 to the price of a new home. This is expected to raise average monthly mortgage payments by $40 for the standard 30-year mortgage, while decreasing monthly energy bills by $80, on average. The new standards are intended to keep California’s greenhouse gas emissions down, while better able to withstand effects of climate change, and keep electric costs low for consumers. The California Building Industry Association estimates that 15-20% of current single-family homes in the state are fitted with solar panels. This new legislation is expected to grow the already hot solar market, with an average of 80,000 new homes built in California annually.

Harvest the Sun for Your Energy Needs and Save!

The average California family will save nearly $30,000 over 20 years by using solar energy.